Working very hard to make my final issue (before switching to the 70-80 page book format) come out sometime in September. But as I think I mentioned before, I'm trying very hard to make it a complete vision. Translation? So I don't feel the need to go back and revise for future editions.

Yes. I've been revising pages on the fly again. I don't take it lightly that each printing I do, there are changes. But I do it to refine my intentions with this story. The comic versions have felt kind of like "beta projects." My art is refining and (hopefully improving) so I want pages that I look at and cringe, to not give me that feeling. So I will modify the pose or panel to fit my improving style. But previous readers won't be left out in the cold. I'm more than glad to give past purchasers the fixed version for free. The art is the only thing that is changed (sometimes, I will clarify a line of dialogue but it's rare.) I just want this to be the best it can be. If I can make something look better and read better by someone who is giving me their hard earned money, I will do that. I know the competition is crowded out there. I just want the books to reflect my current skill level.

This won't be an issue with Issue #3 or future volumes. In my attempt to release comics, I made some trade-offs to get those two out (three if you count the prelude). When I find the time, I try to see how to improve something my my critical eye. But I will no longer be doing revisions after Issue #3 comes out. You live and you learn and this process is teaching me things that only come from doing this type of work on steady basis. Placing your characters and camera becomes more and more based on what's right for the story instead of what I think I can draw. And by doing so, it makes me a better artist.

About to start the inking process which is not as labor intensive for me as the penciling does. While I wish my carpal tunnelled hands could hand ink better, I think my use of Manga Studio is improving as I make it more art friendly. Luckily the one part of the process I'm not as involved with, the coloring, allows me to move on to the lettering part a little quicker.

Bit by bit, I'm learning a lot of new things along this journey. I think issue #3 will give you a much better idea where I'm heading with the story. I think issue #2 helped introduce the main character and introduce his participation, but it was a in progress type of story with only one big major revelation that will pay off in issue #3.

Stick with me. I'm trying my best. Thanks for reading!

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Author

A lifelong comics fan, Mike W. Belcher is the writer/artist of MAN IN THE MASK. A story he's had with him for over 20 years.